Sport ramp surface and method

ABSTRACT

A surface material for a ramp comprises a fiberglass reinforced plastic material for providing a longer life and an improved grip wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material is coupled to the surface of the ramp which is used by a user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is claiming the benefit of the U.S.Provisional Application having an application No. of 60/344,097, filedDec. 20, 2001, in the name of Michael McIntyre, and entitled “SPORT RAMPSURFACE AND METHOD”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to extreme sports and, more specifically,to an improve surface for a ramp structure used in extreme sports.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Ramp structures, such as a “half-pipe” and the like are commonlyused in “Extreme Sports” activities. Extreme Sports such asskate-boarding, inline skating, bicycle motorcross, and free stylemotorcross commonly use ramp structures to perform ariel stunts/moves. Atypical ramp structure 10 has some combination of sections including,but not limited to, a flat bottom section known as “flatbottoms,”inclined radial walls known as “escalators” or “rollers” extendingupward from or descending downward to the flat bottom sections andelevated decks located above certain parts of the inclined radial walls.Persons using a ramp structure to practice an Extreme Sport will use anyone or any combination of the flat bottom sections 12, included radialwalls 14, and elevated decks 16 to perform tricks, maneuvers, etc.

[0006] Ramp structures can be permanent, or they can be temporary,portable structures. Prior art ramp structures, including in particular,portable ones, tend to be covered with a surface material consisting ofa wood or paper-based product. There are a number of problems with suchprior art surface materials. The main problem is that they are notsuitably weather-resistant, and thus tend to degrade over time—through aprocess of warping, bubbling, delamination, expansion, and/orcontraction. Moreover, because such surface materials lack protectionagainst ultraviolet radiation, they tend to fade and to become crackedor dried out from exposure to sunlight. The need to guard against suchdegradation often leads to the use of additional fasteners (typicallyscrews) to hold the surface material in place, increasing the risk offasteners becoming loose and creating a hazard for users of the rampstructure.

[0007] Prior art surface materials also do not lend themselves readilyto a coloring process. While wood products can be painted, the paint canbe unduly slippery or creates too much of a gripping effect. This makesthe ramp structure less desirable and perhaps even dangerous to users.The paint also tends to chip and wear off following use and exposure tothe sun, creating a less attractive look and potential unevenness in thesurface that might affect a user's performance. The difficulty incoloring also impacts on the ability to place logos on the surfacematerial, leading to the use of vinyl logos that can be too slick andthat sometimes peel off after extended use.

[0008] Steel is also sometimes used as a surface material. Among itsdrawbacks are that it is extremely heavy, making it expensive to ship.Steel is also susceptible to rusting.

[0009] With respect to both wood/paper and steel types of surfacematerials, it is generally not possible to patch or spot repair thesurface material in the event of a defect. All of the above-mentionedqualities tend to make prior art surface materials relativelyshort-lasting.

[0010] A need therefore existed for a surface material for a rampstructure having improved performance over the prior art materials,including longer life, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, consistencyof grippability of the surface (i.e., consistent surface friction),amenability to spot repairs, ease of coloring and applying logs withoutaffect the feel of the material, and light weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it isan object of the present invention to provide an improved rampstructure.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved ramp structure having improved performance over the prior artmaterials.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved ramp structure having improved performance over the prior artmaterials, including longer life.

[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved ramp structure having improved performance over the prior artmaterials, including longer life, resistance to ultraviolet radiation,and consistency of grippability of the surface (i.e., consistent surfacefriction).

[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved ramp structure having improved performance over the prior artmaterials, including longer life, resistance to ultraviolet radiation,consistency of grippability of the surface (i.e., consistent surfacefriction), amenability to spot repairs, ease of coloring and applyinglogs without affect the feel of the material, and light weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, asurface material for a ramp comprising a fiberglass reinforced plasticmaterial for providing a longer life and an improved grip wherein thefiberglass reinforced plastic material is coupled to the surface of theramp which is used by a user.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, asurface material for a ramp is disclosed. The surface material comprisesa fiberglass reinforced plastic material for providing a longer life andan improved grip wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material iscoupled to the surface of the ramp which is used by a user. Thefiberglass reinforced plastic material comprises: approximately 50%fiberglass; approximately 50% resin; and an ultraviolet radiationinhibitor to protect the surface material from ultraviolet radiation.

[0018] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following, more particular,description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, andadvantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of illustrated embodiment when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals and symbols represent like elements.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an above-ground ramp structure.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the above-groundramp structure of FIG. 1 incorporating the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an above-groundramp structure 10 is shown. The ramp structure 10 is of the type knownin the art, and is sometimes referred to as a “half-pipe.” It iscommonly used for what are known as “Extreme Sports,” includingskate-boarding, inline skating, bicycle motorcross, and free stylemotorcross. A typical ramp structure 10 has some combination of sectionsas shown in FIG. 1, including flat bottom sections 12 known as“flatbottoms,” inclined radial walls 14 known as “escalators” or“rollers” extending upward from or descending downward to the flatbottom sections 12, and elevated decks 16 located above certain sectionsof the inclined radial walls 14. Persons using a ramp structure 10 topractice an Extreme Sport will use any one or any combination or theflat bottom sections 12, included radial walls 14, and elevated decks 16to perform tricks, maneuvers, etc.

[0023] Ramp structures 10 can be permanent, or they can be temporary,portable structures. Prior art ramp structures 10, including inparticular portable ones, tend to be covered with a surface materialconsisting of a wood or paper-based product. There are a number ofproblems with such prior art surface materials. They are not suitablyweather-resistant, and thus tend to degrade over time—through a processof warping, bubbling, delamination, expansion, and/or contraction.Moreover, because such surface materials lack protection againstultraviolet radiation, they tend to fade and to become cracked or driedout from exposure to sunlight. The need to guard against suchdegradation often leads to the use of additional fasteners (typicallyscrews) to hold the surface material in place, increasing the risk offasteners becoming loose and creating a hazard for users of the rampstructure.

[0024] Prior art surface materials also do not lend themselves readilyto a coloring process. While wood products scan be painted, the paintcan be unduly slippery or creative too much of a gripping effect, makingthe ramp structure less desirable and perhaps even dangerous to users.The paint also tends to chip and wear off following use and exposure tothe sun, creating a less attractive look and potential unevenness in thesurface that might affect a user's performance. The difficulty incoloring also impacts on the ability to place logos on the surfacematerial, leading to the use of vinyl logos that can be too slick andthat sometimes peel off after extended use.

[0025] Steel is also sometimes used as a surface material. Among itsdrawbacks are that it is extremely heavy, making it expensive to ship.Steel is also susceptible of rusting.

[0026] With respect to both wood/paper and steel types of surfacematerials, it is generally not possible to patch or spot repair thesurface material in the event of a defect. All of the above-mentionedqualities tend to make prior art surface materials relativelyshort-lasting.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, the improved surface material 18 of thepresent invention is shown in position on a section of the rampstructure 10 of FIG. 1. The improved surface material 18 is a flat sheetof fiberglass reinforced plastic. Preferably, the improved surfacematerial 18 comprises a ratio of approximately 50% fiberglass and 50%resin, though a ratio of less fiberglass and more resin or less resinand more fiberglass would still provide improved results over the priorart. Generally, as the ratio of fiberglass is increased, the strength ofthe resulting surface material 18 is increased. The resins arepreferably GP type, or of higher grade. Suitable resins includepolyesters and vinylesters.

[0028] The surface material 18 is preferably affixed to the rampstructure 10 in sheets. The preferred sheet size is four feet wide, byeight feet long, by three-sixteenths of an inch in width—although any ofthese dimensions may be altered as desired to meet the needs of aparticular ramp structure 10. Thus, the sheets could be cut smaller,larger, thinner, or thicker as desired—and in any desired shape. It isalso preferred that the surface material 18 cover every surface of theramp structure 10 which could be used by a user, including the flatbottom sections 12, inclined radial walls 14, and elevated decks 16.Indeed, it would also be preferred, at least for appearance sake, tocover the side panels 17 of the ramp structure 10.

[0029] The sheets of surface material 18 are affixed to the surfaces ofthe underlying ramp structure 10 in the appropriate manner, taking intoaccount the underlying material 20 below the surface material 18. Forexample, if the underlying material 20 is concrete, an adhesive wouldlikely be used for appropriate fixation. If the underlying material 20is metal or wood, screws or bolts could be inserted into holes drilledthrough the surface material 18 and secured to the underlying material20. (Preferably, the holes would be countersunk so as to reduce the riskof the screw or bolt interfering with the performance of a person usingthe ramp structure 10.)

[0030] To provide protection against ultraviolet radiation, it ispossible to either add an ultraviolet radiation inhibitor to the surfacematerial 18 during the manufacturing process, or to use a resin havingsuch quality. To achieve coloring, color pigments may be added to theresin to create a sheet of surface material 18 having a desired color.Alternatively, a logo can be impregnated into the surface material 18during the manufacturing process. (For example, if a pultrusion processis used as discussed below, the logo could be placed between thesurfacing veil and the fiberglass.)

[0031] With respect to the manufacture of the surface material 18, itcan be manufactured by any process that will create a flat sheet offiberglass reinforced plastic. The available processes include pressing,injection molding, and pultrusion. Of these, the pultrusion process ispreferred. Among other things, it is the quickest, most uniform, andyields a product having a fiberglass to resin ratio closest to optimal.

[0032] Surface material 18 comprised of fiberglass reinforced plasticpresents a substantial improvement over prior art materials. Thus,fiberglass reinforced plastic is relatively lightweight. As compared tosteel, for example, fiberglass reinforced plastic is three-quarterslighter. It has an extremely high strength to weight ratio, exceedingthat of prior art ramp surface materials such as masonite, plywood,steel, and SKATELIGHT.® (Strength is an important quality for a surfacematerial, particularly where the ramp structure 10 is used for a highimpact sport such as bicycle motorcross or freestyle.) It hasdimensional stability, with a low coefficient of thermal expansionmaking it resistant to heat and extreme cold. It is, as discussed above,easily colored and decorated with a logo—and the colors/log will notaffect the feel of the surface material 18 or readily degrade fromexposure to the sun or the elements. Still further, fiberglassreinforced plastic may be spot-repaired in the event of damage to aportion of a sheet of surface material 18 through, for example, apatching process.

[0033] Still further advantages include that fiberglass reinforcedplastic will not be damaged by water. It will not bubble or warp and, asa result, will require less screws/bolts to secure it in position. It isalso easily cut or drilled with conventional tools, making it easy toinstall and to customize for particular size or other requirements. Incontrast to steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic has a low reflectivevalue, eliminating glare that can distract a user and potentially causean accident or injury. It has improved surface resistance over, inparticular, the wood and paper based materials, resulting in an increasein speed on the part of the user.

[0034] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surface material for a ramp comprising afiberglass reinforced plastic material for providing a longer life andan improved grip wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material iscoupled to the surface of the ramp which is used by a user.
 2. A surfacematerial for a ramp in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fiberglassreinforced plastic material comprises: approximately 50% fiberglass; andapproximately 50% resin.
 3. A surface material for a ramp in accordancewith claim 2 wherein the resin is a GP type resin.
 4. A surface materialfor a ramp in accordance with claim 2 wherein the resin is a polyester.5. A surface material for a ramp in accordance with claim 2 wherein theresin is a vinylesters.
 6. A surface material for a ramp in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material isaffixed to the ramp in sheets.
 7. A surface material for a ramp inaccordance with claim 1 wherein the fiberglass reinforced plasticmaterial is affixed to the ramp by an adhesive.
 8. A surface materialfor a ramp in accordance with claim 1 wherein the fiberglass reinforcedplastic material is affixed to the ramp by connectors.
 9. A surfacematerial for a ramp in accordance with claim 8 wherein the connectorsare countersunk to reduce a risk of the connectors interfering with theuser.
 10. A surface material for a ramp in accordance with claim 2wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material further comprises anultraviolet radiation inhibitor to protect the surface material fromultraviolet radiation.
 11. A surface material for a ramp in accordancewith claim 2 wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material furthercomprises a color pigment to add color to the surface material.
 12. Asurface material for a ramp in accordance with claim 2 wherein thefiberglass reinforced plastic material further comprises a logoimpregnated into the surface material.
 13. A surface material for a rampcomprising: a fiberglass reinforced plastic material for providing alonger life and an improved grip wherein the fiberglass reinforcedplastic material is coupled to the surface of the ramp which is used bya user, wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material comprises:approximately 50% fiberglass; approximately 50% resin; and anultraviolet radiation inhibitor to protect the surface material fromultraviolet radiation.
 14. A surface material for a ramp in accordancewith claim 13 wherein the resin is a GP type resin.
 15. A surfacematerial for a ramp in accordance with claim 13 wherein the resin is apolyester.
 16. A surface material for a ramp in accordance with claim 13wherein the resin is a vinylesters.
 17. A surface material for a tamp inaccordance with claim 13 wherein the fiberglass reinforced plasticmaterial is affixed to the ramp by an adhesive.
 18. A surface materialfor a ramp in accordance with claim 13 wherein the fiberglass reinforcedplastic material is affixed to the ramp by connectors.
 19. A surfacematerial for a ramp in accordance with claim 18 wherein the connectorsare countersunk to reduce a risk of the connectors interfering with theuser.
 20. A surface material for a ramp in accordance with claim 13wherein the fiberglass reinforced plastic material further comprises acolor pigment to add color to the surface material.